CBD Oil Explained

CBD, or cannabidiol,
is seemingly everywhere, from food and beverages to lotions, potions and
creams. You can buy CBD oil in health food stores, pharmacies or even your
favorite online retailer.

But just because
these products are readily available doesn’t mean they’re effective. They may
not contain what they state on the label — and they could even be harmful.

“Marketing for CBD
products is outpacing scientists’ ability to research the benefits and risks of
CBD,” says Ashley
Houghteling, a nurse practitioner at Henry Ford Health System.

While some studies
suggest CBD helps treat ailments such as pain and anxiety, evidence about the
appropriate dose for different uses is scant. The end result: Consumers are
self-medicating with a potent substance that could have significant drawbacks.

FAQ: CBD Oil

While CBD is gaining traction in health and wellness circles, experts say
it may not be ready for prime time just yet. We asked Houghteling to answer commonly asked
questions about CBD oil and its parent plant.

Q: What
is CBD?

A: CBD is one of more than 100
chemical compounds found in hemp and marijuana plants. Harvesters extract CBD
from the flowers of the plant then dilute it with a carrier oil, such as
coconut or hemp seed oil. The concentration of CBD in these oils varies
considerably.

Q: How
do you use it?

A: CBD can be incorporated into foods
and drinks as well as capsules, sprays and oils that you ingest. It can also be
made into a thick paste to massage into the skin. Since oral CBD isn’t well
absorbed, many practitioners recommend inhaling CBD or using it topically.

Q: Can CBD oil get you “high”?

A: CBD is often touted as being free
of the mind-altering effects of marijuana, but it turns out that’s not always
the case. According to a recent
study, about 1 in
5 CBD products tested contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive
chemical in marijuana. How can that happen? The problem is that CBD can be made
from either hemp or marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are part of the Cannabis sativa plant species. These two
plants are similar, but the CBD from hemp is very low in THC while the CBD from
marijuana has varying levels of THC. That’s a problem since THC can actually
worsen both seizures and anxiety.

Q: What
are some of the health claims linked with CBD?

A: In addition to epilepsy, preliminary studies suggest CBD may affect mood
disorders ranging from schizophrenia
to anxiety.
Other studies
suggest CBD may help relieve pain and fight cancer. Still other studies — and
companies — report that CBD may play a role in controlling type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer’s
disease and acne.
Some of these studies were done in animals, some in humans. But none used unregulated
CBD purchased over the counter or through an online retailer, which is how most
people are getting it.

Q: Which
conditions is CBD actually approved for?

A: After reviewing data on the safety and effectiveness of CBD for various indications, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of purified CBD for only one condition: epilepsy. In Canada, CBD is approved to control muscle spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Q: What
are some of the side effects of CBD?

A: Though proponents will say CBD is safe and has few side effects, there’s no standardized dose and toxicity is a real concern. Adverse reactions may include diarrhea, fatigue or even liver damage. Plus, CBD interacts with many medications, including those used to control chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and depression.

A: Is
there anyone who should absolutely avoid CBD oil?

A: Absolutely – people who are pregnant or nursing should not use CBD. THC can pass through breast milk and also cross the placenta. Since CBD interacts with a laundry list of medications, people who are taking prescription drugs should also avoid using CBD.

Navigating the Wild West

While some small
studies suggest CBD may offer health perks ranging from reduced pain to
improved mood, others show no effect. Plus, some experts believe using CBD
without a doctor’s guidance is downright dangerous.

“Perhaps the
most concerning aspect of CBD is there’s no oversight agency,” says Houghteling.
This allows manufacturers to sell products that may or may not contain what
appears on the label.

In a 2017 study published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association, nearly 43 percent of CBD products contained
too little CBD while 26 percent had too much of the substance. In both cases,
the consumer is being duped about what’s in the product.

The FDA has
recently begun cracking down on these companies, issuing warning letters to
those who market unapproved drugs reportedly containing CBD. As part of that
process, they tested the chemical content of CBD in various products and
discovered many do not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label.

The bottom line? Until there is more research — and more oversight for CBD products — it’s wise to steer clear of them, unless you’re taking CBD with a doctor’s guidance or for an approved condition like epilepsy.

To find a doctor at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).

A health and wellness blog produced by Henry Ford Health System, and designed to share our knowledge on a variety of topics – from tips on eating healthy, staying fit and reducing stress to advice on chronic disease management and news on medical research and health technology.